60Achievement for Marissa Haugh has never been about titles or recognition but rather about making a difference in the lives of others. With a background that spans child development, healthcare, education, and nutrition, she has built a career centered on helping people grow stronger in body and mind. Her path has consistently reflected dedication and purpose, from her earliest roles supporting children to her current work as a fitness and nutrition coach in Oceanport, New Jersey.
Her education shows how deeply she values learning. After finishing high school, Marissa chose the University of Rhode Island, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. This degree gave her theoretical and practical knowledge of how people grow within family and community settings. To expand her scope, she earned a Certificate in Fine Arts and Foundation from Parsons’ School of Design in 2001, which nurtured her creative side. Two years later, in 2003, she graduated from Bank Street College with a Master of Science in Child Life, preparing her to guide children and families through medical and emotional challenges.
Her career path began during her college years. She worked as a day care leader, gaining hands-on experience with young children, before moving into a caseworker role at Talbot Perkins Children’s Services in Brooklyn. There, she became familiar with the complexities of adoption and foster care. At the same time, she served as Lead Camp Counselor at Epiphany Nursery School Camp, where she created art and cooking projects and coordinated daily activities. These early jobs taught her the importance of patience, structure, and care when working with children.
By 1998, Marissa took on more responsibility as Head Teacher at Trevor Day School in New York City. She managed classrooms, assessed student needs, and worked with families to ensure children were supported. This role gave her valuable insight, preparing her for healthcare positions later in her career. At Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, she became a Child Life Specialist, serving in pediatric units. Her responsibilities included offering therapeutic interventions and emotional support to children facing severe conditions such as cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, and organ transplants. She also worked closely with families to help them cope with hospitalization and illness.
Her next step was at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey, where she became an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist. There, she conducted developmental assessments and interventions for infants and toddlers up to age three. Working with children and parents, she supported growth and learning during critical years. She has also remained a member of the Child Life Council since 2001, maintaining her connection to the field of child development.
In 2017, Marissa shifted her focus to fitness and nutrition, completing a Certificate in Fitness and Nutrition from the Academy of Sports Medicine. With this credential, she launched FIT, FULL, AND FOCUSED, her own practice in Oceanport. She now works with clients to design personalized nutrition and fitness plans, assess health and eating habits, and create sustainable changes. Her approach emphasizes education, helping clients understand nutrition science, food choices, and long-term wellness strategies.
Her own experiences as a runner and competitor further inform her coaching. She has participated in CrossFit competitions, endurance races such as Tough Mudder and Spartan events, and completed numerous marathons. These experiences allow her to coach from knowledge and practice, connecting with clients personally.
Marissa’s life and career reflect a steady focus on supporting others. Whether through child development, hospital care, or fitness coaching, she has chosen roles encouraging growth and well-being. Her story demonstrates how education, service, and personal commitment can be woven together to create a meaningful impact on the lives of families and individuals.